SARONIC ISLANDS - SPETSES

Spetses Island Greece is the most remote of the Greek Argo Saronic islands. Spetses is an attractive pine-clad island that is not huge, but big enough to offer a range of activities to keep everyone happy. Secluded, hidden coves with sparkling clear seas or beaches close to waterfront hotels and pensions; lots of tavernas to choose from with friendly service and traditional hospitality. Once visited - you'll want to return - again, again and again.

Spetses, the lady of the Gulf Islands. It is the island of Matrozou and Boumpoulinas, and helds fairly the privilege of the National affirmation for their invaluable and decisive offer, during the Greek Revolution of 1821. Here, the history meets nature and tradition. The amazing combination of pine and sea, creates spectacular views of natural beauty. Lacy beaches with golden sand, pebbles and crystal sparkling sapphire waters, give you moments of peace and serenity. At the same time, it maintains features that remain unchanged over time.

The Spetses Museum started as an archaeological. historical and folklore collection of the island in 1939, at the Hatzigiannis Mexis house that had been declared a historical monument in 1924. This imposing building with its nigh arcades hosts objects that represent more than 4000 years of cultural history of the island, such as:Ceramics of the first hellenic period, Tomb stones/pillars and sculptures of the Roman period, Ceramics of oriental and occidental European origin, brought by the Spetsiot sailors at the end of the 18th century. A collection of post Byzantine and Russian icons, Important heirlooms from the revolution of 1821 [the Spetsiot revolutionary flag, the remains of Bouboulina, guns and portaits of the Spetsiot Captains, rare wooden front ship figureheads.]

This Mansion, with the unique carved ceiling in the big living room, has operated as a museum since 1992 after some restoration works.There is a live guided tour where the visitor hears about the life and deeds of Bouboulina whilst admiring in the meantime the heirlooms of the Revolution, personal objects belonging to the heroine and other valuable items. In the courtyard of the Museum the visitors can buy history books, videos and other paraphernalia.

Archaelogical findings

Several excavations were conducted during the last century and they brought to light the follows:Ceramics of the firsthellenic period or the 3rd millenium BC in Agia Marina. Protobyzantine, Paleochristian churches in Baltiza. A Byzantine settlement in Zogeria.The bronzeage shipwreck of Dokos (2.200 BC), considered to be the oldest known in the world. The Mycenaean shipwreck of Iria (approx. 1200BC).The procedure of cleaning and restoring the findings, a minute and difficult work that requires patience and time, takes place in specially arranged rooms of the Museum of Spetses, the safest and best organized museum in the region.

Folklore of SpetsesDances - Songs - Local Dresses

The love of the spetsiots for songs and dances is a very old tradition. There are lots of original songs heard at family feast and panigyria.There are also songs brought by sailors and transformed according to spetsiot habits. The spetsiot syrtos and chasapikos dances are the beloved ones at all parties and feasts.The local dresses are seen on other Aegean islands and the Peloponesian coasts of Ermioni, bearing slight differences.The men's outfit composed of the classic trousers called "vraka" with a shirt and a sleeveless gilet. The women's dress is a white silk shirt with a long skirt and a belt, plus an embroidered silk scarf, covering the head.

Easter - Spetsiot wedding

On Spetses there has always been the effort to keep up the traditional habits that accompany the history of the island through the years. The Spetsiot traditions come both from the islands and the main land, due to the proximity with the Peloponese and the setting of the Peloponesians on the island.

On Spetses as well as on other Greek islands, Easter takes on a fascinating aspect with the fireworks going off around on the "Resurrection" night next to the deeply religious atmosphere, in all Churches. In Analipsis the fishermen keep an old tradition alive by burning a boat in the courtyard of the Church. On Easter Sunday in the afternoon, the burning of Judas takes place outside the house of Panagiotis Mathios, the man who restored the tradition some years ago.

Religious feasts called "Panigyria"

During the whole year there are religious feasts celebrated in different chapels all around the island, where the service takes place in the evening and in the morning, with the blessing of the people and the bread, especially brought to the church.After the service follow the "kerasmata", the drinking turns. During summer time the month of July gathers an importand number of people at the Panigyria of St. Anargyrion, St. Marinna. The Virgin Mary, the "Kapsodematousa", St. Markella, St. Paraskevi, Prophitis Ilias. In September follow the "panigyri" of St. Mamas, "Panagia of Daskalaki" and the "Armata".

All local associations have their own feasts on the day of their Saint, as a family happening. One of those is the famous "hunters" day with the panigyri of Panagia of Daskalaki, the drivers day on St. Christopher day and the fishermen feast on St. Apostles day.Apart from the very old tradition of people visiting houses all dressed up, on the last Carnival Sunday there is a big fiesta in the clock square, where thousands of inhabitants and visitors come to dance. The next day, on the first Monday of lent called "Clean Monday", the islanders and their friends keep up the custom at the open gathering at Sourbouti, Kounoupitsa, where the food is prepared by the locals. Earlier on that same "Clean Monday" the children climb up to the top of the mountain to let their kites (Filandras) fly.

Popular art and craft

The spetsiot pebble designs, the rug and woven products from family looms of Spetsiots women, as well as wood craft, are some of the popular craft developed in Spetses.